School's Out For Summer
As the schools break for summer, most of us think about summer holidays, that lovely feeling when you get your big break in the year and of course, we get to soak up the sun, get relaxed or for some hit the clubs and rave away.
We pick our top tracks that remind us of summer and get us in the mood to celebrate.
Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
It was universally accepted at one point that when you heard Summertime for the first time in the year, it was the official start to summer. The relaxed informal vibe of the track made it a commercial smash. Funny how Jazzy Jeff had top billing back then.
Steal my Sunshine by Len
What a classic. Len brought us such amazing upbeat, feel-good vibes that this had to make the list. Perhaps Len's finest moment? Without doubt.
School's Out by Alice Cooper
There is no way we could do this list and not include the title track to teen summers. In a slightly more chilled and upbeat diversion from Alice Cooper, this is a must have for yoru summer soundtrack.
Buy Alice Cooper
It Was A Good Day by Ice Cube
DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince brought the friendly and accessible side of rap music. Ice Cube was the complete opposite, making controversy his signature both in his solo and NWA career. It Was A Good Day still had the feel of LA but hit different. Slow laid back and with a genuine radio friendly version, this was Cube's biggest commercial breakthrough.
Buy Ice Cube
Summer Breeze by Seals and Crofts
Maybe the act Seals and Crofts aren't the most well known, this track Summer Breeze is a certified classic. Not only does the evocative sound spark feelings of summer, it was also their most successful single ever, hitting number 6 on US Billboard Charts.
Texas Sun by Khruangbin
Whilst not loved by critics everywhere, the mooted sound and half-baked nature makes Texas Sun a little tantalising. It delivers on the oppression that the sun can bring but the guitar looseness gives a great layer to Bridges' vocals.
Sunny Afternoon by The Kinks
Sunny Afternoon is a signature tune from The Kinks which really picks up on Davies' vocal style and the jaunty jazz riff just screams (albeit in a terribly British way) summer in the city.
Everybody Loves the Sunshine by Roy Ayers
This title track from the 14th studio album by Roy Ayers, says summer in a way different way to some of the others on the list. The brilliant female vocals coupled with the synth and piano emanating all over this track. A genuine reflection of a hot, sweaty summers day.
Sunshine by Cleo Sol
In a complete shift Cleo Sol delivers superb lyrics and a sultry and soulful slow tempo number. Sunshine is a genuine uplifting track both in terms of its sound but also thaks to its uplifting messages.
Beach Boys Good Vibrations
We could have put any Beach Boys track on this list to be honest. Good Vibrations made the grade due to its Beach Boys pace but also the positivity within the lyrics. We could all do with Good Vibrations.
Tequila Sunrise by the Eagles
From the album Desperado, Tequila Sunrise, is one of The Eagles most underrated songs but highly regarded by music critics. The track blends a number of genres including rock, country and folk. The relaxed tempo is perfect to accompany a hot sunny day and the lyrics are something most can relate to.
Special mention to Summer Holiday by Sir Cliff Richard and The Shadows
How could we do a list of summer tunes and not mention the legendary 1963 hit Summer Holiday by Cliff Richard. Even if you haven't seen the film the imagery of Cliff riding the bright red double decker bus is iconic. The whole feel was of a young man ready to live the summer.
What do you think to our summer playlist? Add your choices in the comments